President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, who arrived Sao Paolo ahead of today’s semi final clash between Nigeria and Germany believes Coach Samson Siasia can come up with the formula to steer the Dream Team to the final.
“As a federation, we have always had confidence in Samson Siasia. We believed in him enough to appoint him to head the Under-23 crew and gave him all the support, including organising several friendlies and invitational tournaments for the team over the past 18 months.
“When there was a sudden vacancy in the Super Eagles and we had two crucial matches at hand, we called on Samson Siasia. Personally, and as NFF President, I have confidence that Siasia can take the team to the final match on Saturday,” Pinnick said yesterday morning.
Similarly, Atlanta ’96 Gold-winning Captain Nwankwo Kanu has called on Nigerians to rally behind the team when they face Germany in today’s Rio Olympics semi-final on their way to going all the way again.
The two-time African Footballer of the Year, said the coach Samson Siasia-led side was on the threshold of history and must be supported to go and win yet another Olympic soccer Gold 20 years after they first achieved this feat.
“The Olympic Eagles have done well and they deserve a pat on the back; and I want to use this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to support them at this point,” began the former Arsenal striker.
He continued: “Coach Siasia has done really well despite all the challenges they have faced and I want to commend captain Mikel Obi for leading by example and everyone in the team has done well.”
Kanu said the team must be on top of their game and surmount Germany so as to qualify for the Gold at the weekend, adding the players need prayers as well.
“We are just two matches away from making history as the first African country to win the soccer gold medal twice after we won 20 years ago in Atlanta,” he said.
“Now is the time to support them with our prayers so that the team could make us proud again.”
Medal standings
Country G S B
U S A 28 27 27
Britain 17 17 10
China 15 15 18
Russia 12 12 14
